- Dyneema ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene yarn was highlighted for its exceptional specific energy capacity (~60 kJ/kg as a spring), placing it in the battery range, though creep limits practical energy-storage uses; participants noted its suitability for flywheel energy storage and discussed orientation losses when bearings are not aligned with Earth’s axis.

- A solar-powered, low-maintenance cryonics dewar concept was proposed: using alternative refrigerants (e.g., modern R-variants) and an oxygen concentrator with synthetic zeolite to strip nitrogen, aiming to cut long-term storage costs to capital plus refrigerator upkeep; a 2008 solar ice-maker reference was shared.

- An open-source electroporator project was detailed: <$250 kit target, modular pulser design that blends short pulses into longer programmable waveforms (0.05 ms–100 ms, 1–10 pulses, 0.1–10 s intervals), with discussion of Bio-Rad specs and STL-file manipulation for custom lab automation.

- Debate on the economics of human vs. “not-quite-human” emulations explored whether ordinary uploads could be financed through high-yield “research-backed obligations” without IP or slavery, arguing that reduced healthcare/food costs and contract-law exclusivity could make mass uploads viable even if copies proliferate.

- The first Cybathlon (Zurich, Oct 2016) was announced—an Olympics for cyborg athletes using powered prosthetics and BCIs—with IEEE Spectrum coverage linked; HOPE conference Kickstarter and assorted 3-D-printed lab parts (centrifugal clutch, learning objects on Thingiverse) were also circulated.